StormyRains Symphony

Love is in the Air (Except for Rain)

While Rain was interrogating Sky in the car, trying to pry some not-so-pleasant information out of him, Payu was being bombarded by messages from Pai. It was clear Pai expected Payu to bail him out, as usual. This time, though, even if Pai wouldn't ask, Payu would do it anyway.

After the call, Payu practically had to drag Rain back home. His darling could be a sulky brat sometimes, with absolutely no filter when it came to words. Payu hated Rain's foul language, but he also knew it was because they'd been going through a rough patch—also the temporary separation—something Payu wasn't ready to discuss yet, but knew they'd have to address soon. Right now, however, Rain was in full tantrum mode, refusing to go home. And Pai? For what felt like the millionth time, Pai was begging Payu for help—though this was the first time he was doing it so desperately, offering anything and everything in return. Payu wasn't about to waste such a golden opportunity.

Rain: P'Payu, did you see Sky's audacity? He cut my call. Let's go back to his dorm and...

Payu: Rain, I think the best thing you could do now is go home. You can talk to Sky tomorrow at university. I think Sky and Pai just patched up and may need some time for themselves.

But Rain was not ready to listen. He just wanted to go back to Sky and, well, demand him to share the things Sky had kept hidden from him. Payu was stopping him. To be frank, Payu was speaking maturely, but, well, Rain was Rain. Payu wanted to be sweet and explain the facts to Rain.

But Rain? He was testing Payu's patience, throwing another tantrum and even threatening to jump out of the car if Payu didn't stop. Payu had some very dark thoughts about that—tying Rain to the seat and dragging him home while spanking his bratty boy. But no, that would just lead to more fighting, and the last thing Payu wanted this evening was another pointless quarrel.

Rain (Sulking and stomping his feet):
"I'm not going back, P'Payu! You can't make me! I'll walk back to Sky if I have to!"

Payu (Sighing, visibly frustrated):
"Rain, stop acting like a child. We're going home, and that's final. Enough of this drama."

Rain:
"Oh, I'm the one acting like a child? You're the one dragging me around like a piece of luggage!"
He crosses his arms and glares at Payu.

Payu (thinking):
This brat... He's impossible sometimes, but I'm not wasting more time arguing.

Payu (out loud):
"You know what? Fine. Keep sulking. But you're coming home, whether you like it or not."

Payu did what any master manipulator would do—he faked a phone call.

Payu's phone rang an alarm. Or so it seemed.

With a gasp, he pulled out his phone and put on his best urgent voice.
"Rain! We need to get home. My mom—she wants us to be home right now."

Rain (pauses, looking nervous):
"Wait... What? Why?"
His voice trembles, clearly concerned.

Payu stayed serious.
"It's... well, we'll know once we go, but I think it's really important for us to be home now."

Payu (with a serious expression, hiding his smirk):
"Let's go."
He gestures toward the car.

Rain (panicking):
"Did they find out? About the divorce? Or our fights? Oh no... what if they know about everything?"

Payu (calmly):
"We'll find out. Come on."

Rain's brain went into overdrive, panic flickering across his face. Did they know about the breakup? The argument? The fake drama he and Payu had been dragging out? Or worse, the whole truth about their relationship? His heart raced as he quickly got into the car, his mind running wild with worst-case scenarios.